New N5264A PNA-X Measurement Receiver Jim Puri Applications Specialist March 2009 Page 1 Rev. 1
N5264A Measurement Receiver No connectors on front panel Page 2 Rev. 2
N5264A PNA-X Measurement Receiver LO out (Opt. 108) USB 2.0 10/100 Mbps Five IF inputs (7.605634 MHz) Page 3 Rev. 3
N5264A Description: Measurement Receiver for antenna and system level applications. Five IF inputs are in the rear. Two hardware configurations: Receiver only (8530 equivalent) Receiver with LO source Two Software option: Fast-CW (Circular buffer, FIFO) mode Time domain (Opt. 010) Key Aspects: Five IF inputs available (thereby eliminating the PNA-X test set, which is not required for antenna systems) FIFO (enabling infinite measurement durations). Point mode (enabling point averaging). 8530A Drop-in replacement (for equivalent functionality). Hard-drive removal *** for secure environments *** Page 4 4
Key Specifications: Data acquisition time (speed) = 400,000 / Sec (Opt. 118 Fast-CW mode) Input compression point (.1dB)= -10.00 dbm Sensitivity (noise floor) = -145 dbm (worst case @10Hz IFBW, 0 average) Dynamic Range = 135 db (worst case @10Hz IFBW, 0 averages) Measurement Receiver = 5 with 5 inputs (data taking simultaneously) Data Buffer = 500,000,000 points Target Customers: All 8530A antenna end-users All antenna system integrators Key Applications: Antenna test (A/D and Commercial) Radome tests System Integrator (ATE) Page 5 5
N5264A Model Number Structure N5264A PNA-X Measurement Receiver Opt. 108 Add LO Source.01-26.5 GHz This is the same LO output on the rear of the PNA-X (typical output +10dBm) Opt. 118 Add Fast-CW (FIFO) mode Opt. 010 Time Domain Page 6 6
N5264A Block diagram Page 7 7
8530A vs New PNA-X Measurement Receiver Performance Summary Description Data Acquisition Time (Fast-CW mode) Measurement Receiver Only N5264A 8530A 400,000 pts/sec 5,000 pts/sec Noise Floor @ 10KHz Noise Floor @ 10 Hz Buffer size (FIFO) Compression point Receiver inputs -115.0 dbm -145.0 dbm 500,000,000 points -10.0dBm 5-103.0 dbm n/a 100,000 points -14.0 dbm 4 Page 8 8
8530A (85301B) Far-Field Configuration End of Support Life April 1 st, 2009. Source antenna Positioner controller Using 85309A GPIB Ref antenna 85320B Meas Ant. Positioner 85320A 85309A 8360 series Microwave Source Software 8530A Test Ref. GPIB Extender HP 9000 workstation GPIB GPIB Extenders 8360 series Microwave source Page 9 First, let s look at previous generation. This is an 85301B system. It based on 8530A as receiver that set industry standard. However, the system support life will end April 1 st, 2009. 9
8530A (85301B) Far-Field Configuration 8530A replaced by the New Antenna Receiver Source antenna Positioner controller Using 85309A GPIB Ref antenna 85320B Meas Ant. Positioner 85320A 85309A 8360 series Microwave Source Software New Test Ref. End of Support Life August 1st, 2009. GPIB Extender HP 9000 workstation GPIB GPIB Extenders 8360 series Microwave source Page 10 This is the same previous slide but the 8530A replaced by the new antenna receiver. All other system components stayed the same. With the 8530A code emulation, the system should just work. With this configuration, the support life ends August 1 st, 2009 for the 8360 sources. 10
8530A (85301B) Far-Field Configuration 8530A replaced by the New Antenna Receiver & 8360 source with MXG for faster measurement speed Optional amplifier Source antenna 85320A Test mixer AU T PSG Synthesized source PSG or MXG 85320B Referenc e mixer Trigger out Trigger in Measurement automation software LO in LO out (Opt. 108) 85309A 7.606 MHz Positioner Power Supply Positioner controller Router/Hub PNA trigger out New GPS sync 10 MHz in/out PNA trigger in N5264A opt. 108 PNA-X and PSG Page 11 This configuration replaced 8360 sources with the MXG for transmitting side and Antenna receiver option 108 as LO source to the 85309A. This configuration provides the highest measurement speed for Far-field application, because the MXG source frequency switching time is ten times faster than 8360. Controlling external source via internal antenna receiver firmware. This is same as 8530A operation. With this configuration, your system is back in the normal support life. 11
8530A versus New PNA- X Measurement Receiver based System Performance Summary ( with 85309A, 85320A/B mixers) New N5264A with two MXG sources (opt. UNZ) 8530A based (85301B) with two 8360 sources PNA-X N5242A & LO rear output as LO source Frequency System Sensitivity System Sensitivity System Sensitivity 2-3GHz -110.50 dbm -107.0 dbm -107.50 dbm 3-12.5 GHz -114.50 dbm -113.0 dbm -108.50 dbm 12.5-18 GHz -103.0 dbm - 96.0 dbm -101.00 dbm Sweep Mode Speed (cycle time @10 KHz) Speed (cycle time @10 KHz) Speed (cycle time @10 KHz) Linear freq., step mode (2-18GHz, 801 pts) 0.730 msec/pt 12-15 msec/pt.353 msec/pt CW or No band crossing (801 pts) 0.185 msec/pt 12 15 msec/pt.135 msec/pt Page 12 This slide shows the 8530A and new antenna receiver based system performance comparison. The measurement sensitivity improved with MXG as LO source. The measurement speed increase more than ten times. Note: For compact range, when possible using PNA-X N5242A internal RF for transmitting signal is the fastest measurement speed. PNA-X internal RF sources frequency switching speed even faster than MXG source. 12
8530A based (85301C) System End of Support Life April 1st, 2009 Page 13 Here is another 8530A based system. This is 85301C system; the last system sold was about ten years ago. The performance was good at that time. Now, there is better performance system available. As shown on the table, the measurement sensitivity is only -98 dbm. 13
8530A based (85301C) system Replacing 8530A with new antenna receiver opt. 108 and 8511A with Freq. down-converter End of Support Life August 1st, 2009 N5264A opt. 108 New N5280A LO Out LO In 7.605634 MHz I.F Out I.F In Page 14 Here is new configuration with the antenna receiver option 108. 8530A replaced by new antenna receiver and the frequency down-converter, N5280A replaced 8511A. 8360 source still in placed. The measurement sensitivity improved by almost 20 db due to mixer based of the frequency down-converter. More details in the next few slides. Note: The support life still limited to 8360, which is August 1 st, 2009. 14
Optional amplifier 8530A based (85301C) system Replacing: 8530A with the new antenna receiver opt. 108 8511A with Freq. down-converter 8360 source with MXG or PSG Source antenna PSG or MXG N5280A Trigger out Trigger in Measurement automation software LO out 7.606 MHz LO out Router/Hub Trigger out Trigger in N5264A opt. 108 Page 15 This slide shows the complete replacement. 8360 source replaced by MXG, which provides higher measurement speed. In addition, is used instead of GPIB interface. 15
8530A based (85301C) system Replacing: 8530A with the new antenna receiver opt. 108 8511A with Freq. down-converter 8360 source with MXG or PSG Optional amplifier Source antenna Radiated Ref Signal PSG or MXG N5280A 10 MHz out Trigger in/out Measurement automation software Router/Hub LO in 7.606 MHz MXG Trigger in/out 2 10 MHz in 20 meters 20 meters Trigger out 1 Trigger in 1 10 MHz in N5264A Standard 10 MHz out Page 16 In some antenna ranges, the distance from antenna receiver and antenna itself may be too far. Some of these configurations, the external source must be used for LO input to the frequency down-converter. Again, the antenna receiver N5264A can control two external sources. 16
8530A versus New PNA- X Measurement Receiver based System Performance Summary ( with Frequency down-converter, N5280A) Frequency 0.045 8.0GHz 8.0 20.0 GHz 20.0 26.5 GHz N5264A opt. 108 as LO with MXG source -115.00 dbm -115.00 dbm -115.00 N5264A with MXG two MXG sources (MXG opt. UNZ as LO source) -115.50 dbm -115.40 dbm (Opt. 530) 85301C (8530A+8511A) -98.00 dbm -98.00 dbm -94.00 dbm Sweep Mode Speed (cycle time @10 KHz) Speed (cycle time @10 KHz) Speed (cycle time @10 KHz) Linear freq., step mode (2-18GHz, 801 pts) 0.730 msec/pt 0.730 msec/pt 12-15 msec/pt CW or No band crossing (801 pts) 0.185 msec/pt 0.185 msec/pt 12 15 msec/pt Page 17 This slide shows the performance comparison between the 8530A with 5811A that is sampler based to the new antenna receiver option 108 as LO source with frequency down-converter. The measurement sensitivity improved by 17 db at the same IFBW. The measurement speed improves by over 15 times over 8530A based configurations. Do you have any questions? 17
Far Field Outdoor Antenna Measurements (TTL or Software Trigger) Optional amplifier Source antenna 85320A Test mixer AU T PSG Synthesized source PSG or MXG 85320B Referenc e mixer Trigger out Trigger in Measurement automation software LO in LO out (Opt. 108) 85309A 7.606 MHz Positioner Power Supply Positioner controller Router/Hub PNA trigger out GPS sync 10 MHz in/out PNA trigger in N5264A opt. 108 PNA-X and PSG Page 18 This slide is the same as few slides ago. However, I have not mention using as interface instead of traditional GPIB. is fast and goes longer distance when compared to GPIB. 18
Far Field Outdoor Antenna Measurements (TTL or Software Trigger) Optional amplifier Source antenna 85320A Test mixer AU T Radiated Ref Signal Trigger out Trigger in PSG or MXG Measurement automation software LO in 85320B Referenc e mixer 85309A 7.606 MHz Positioner Power Supply Positioner controller LO out Trigger box E5818A Router/Hub Trigger out Trigger in N5264A opt. 108 GPS sync 10 MHz in/out PNA-X and PSG Up to 100 meters E5818A Trigger box Page 19 This slide shows the Hub and Trigger box that extends the distance between receiving and transmitting even farther. For example, this configuration extends 100 meters on side of the Hub. 19
2-Port PNA-X Far Field Outdoor Antenna Measurements (Hardware, TTL or Software Trigger Wireless trigger) Optional amplifier Source antenna AU T PSG or MXG PSG Synthesized source 85320A Test mixer Trigger out Trigger in E5818A Trigger Box Radiated Ref Signal LO out LO in N5264A opt. 108 85320B Referenc e mixer 85309A 7.606 MHz 7.606 MHz Positioner Power Supply Positioner controller GPS sync 10 MHz in/out PNA-X and PSG Trigger In/Out Wireless Access Point Wireless Communicati on E5818A Trigger Box Measurement automation software Page 20 This slide shows the wireless trigger. Some ranges may require wireless interface. For example, you may not have access to the real state between to two sites. 20
2-Port PNA-X Far Field Outdoor Antenna Measurements (Hardware, TTL or Software Trigger Wireless trigger) Optional amplifier Source antenna AU T PSG or MXG PSG Synthesized source 85320A Test mixer Trigger out Trigger in E5818A Trigger Box Radiated Ref Signal LO out LO in N5264A opt. 108 85320B Referenc e mixer 85309A 7.606 MHz 7.606 MHz Positioner Power Supply Positioner controller GPS sync 10 MHz in/out PNA-X and PSG To Company Intranet Trigger In/Out Laptop with virtual private network (VPN) E5818A Trigger Box Measurement automation software Page 21 This slide shows the wireless trigger via virtual private network (VPN). 21
Large Near Field with Remote Mixing N5264A opt. 108 LO in 10MHz reference signal Page 22 This slides show the near-field application. 22
Antenna Receiver Selection Application N5264A Mea. Rec. N5242A PNA-X VNA Benefits Near-field Yes (Large near-field system) Yes Fastest measurement throughput (internal sources are faster) Compact foot print Use VNA for general components test Compact Range Yes Yes This will depend on the range dimensions Lower cost (dedicated receiver only) Far-field Yes No Distributed system increases measurement sensitivity by strategically placed system components Page 23 Both Antenna Receiver and VNA can be used for antenna receiver. First, you have to decide on the application. As this table shown here. 23
Complete Antenna Test Solutions Agilent is RF components supplier (RF-Subsystem) Agilent with Partners provide a complete solution (Turn-Key solution) http://www.agilent.com/find/antenna http://www.orbitfr.com/ http://www.ets-lindgren.com/ http://www.satimo.fr/eng/ http://www.nearfield.com/ http://www.sysplan.com/ Page 24 Agilent works with its channel partners to provide a complete antenna test solution. This includes positioner, software, chamber and installation. Agilent instruments, such as PNA's, ENA's, PSG's and accessories, are sold either directly to the end user or through the channel partners. 24
Reference Literature Title Lit # Antenna Test Selection Guide 5968-6759E Pulsed Antenna Measurement Using PNA 5989-0221EN Application Note 1408-15: Using the PNA in Banded Millimeter-wave Measurements, literature number 5989-4089EN 83000A Series Microwave System Amplifiers 5963-5110E 87415A Technical Overview 5091-1358E 87405A Data Sheet 5091-3661E Go to www.agilent.com/find/antenna for more information. Page 25 25
Q & A Page 26 26
Back up slides Page 27 27
2-Port PNA-X Compact Range Antenna Measurements AUT N5280A LO In LO out Using Frequency down-covert Page 28 N5242A opt. 200, 020, 080 This slide shows a typical compact range using PNA-X for both transmitting source and rear LO output for LO source. RF signal from internal source feeds amplifier, if required, then to the antenna. Signal reflected off the reflector that simulates the Far-field wavefront. Signal received by antennas then down-converter it to I.F freq. then feeds input PNA-X rear IF inputs option 020. When possible, vector network analyzer is best choice for complete for transmitting and receiving the signal because the internal source frequency switching time is faster when compared to most external sources. 28
Typical Compact Far-Field Configuration (TTL or Software Trigger) PSG or MXG N5246A opt. 108 Page 29 29
A IF B IF C IF D IF LO AUX LO IN 0 db Gain Nominal 5087-7308 IF IF LO LO RF RF IF RF LO IF RF LO + 18 dbm Max +/- 10 Volts DC 0 dbm to 18 GHz + 6 dbm to 26. 5 GHz ( prefer + 8 dbm) U 3022AY11 +/- 9 Volts DC + 15 Volts DC Power Supply A RF B RF C RF D RF Far Field Outdoor Antenna Measurements (TTL or Software Trigger) Optional amplifier Source antenna Radiated Ref Signal AU T PSG or MXG N5280A Positioner Power Supply LO in Trigger out Trigger in Measurement automation software MXG Positioner controller Router/Hub 7.606 MHz Trigger in/ out 20 meters Trigger box E5818A Up to 100 meters E5818A Trigger box Trigger out Trigger in N5264A Standard GPS sync 10 MHz in/out PNA-X and PSG Page 30 30
A IF B IF C IF D IF LO AUX LO IN 0 db Gain Nominal 5087-7308 IF IF IF LO LO LO RF RF IF RF LO RF + 18 dbm Max +/- 10 Volts DC 0 dbm to 18 GHz + 6 dbm to 26. 5 GHz ( prefer + 8 dbm) U 3022AY11 +/- 9 Volts DC + 15 Volts DC Power Supply A RF B RF C RF D RF Far Field Outdoor Antenna Measurements (TTL or Software Trigger) Optional amplifier Source antenna Radiated Ref Signal AU T N5280A PSG or MXG Positioner Power Supply Trigger out Trigger in Measurement automation software LO in 7.606 MHz Positioner controller LO out Trigger box E5818A Router/Hub Trigger out Trigger in N5264A opt. 108 GPS sync 10 MHz in/out PNA-X and PSG Up to 100 meters E5818A Trigger box Page 31 31
ypical near-field antenna measurement configuration using a PNA-X PIN Switch AUT PIN Switch Control PNA series network analyzer NEARFIELD SYSTEMS INC. NSI2000 RF Source Receiver channel #1 Page 32 32
PNA-X Pulsed Antenna Configuration Optional amplifier Source antenna Radiated Ref Signal 85320A Test mixer AUT Measurement automation software LO in 85320B Referenc e mixer 85309A Positioner Power Supply N5242A opt. 200, 020, 021, 025 83017A Amplifier 7.606 MHz 7.606 MHz Positioner controller LO out Measurements: -Average, point-in-pulse, and Pulse profiling Page 33 33
Typical RCS measurement configuration (using a PNA with option 014) Rx Tx PIN Switch PIN Switch Control PNA series network analyzer RF Source Receiver #1 Receiver #2 Page 34 34
8530A RCS Configuration Replacing with PNA-X N5242A opt. 200, 020, 021, 025 Page 35 35
Far Field Outdoor Antenna Measurements (TTL or Software Trigger) Optional amplifier Source antenna 85320A Test mixer AU T PSG Synthesized source PSG or MXG 85320B Referenc e mixer Trigger out Trigger in Measurement automation software LO in LO out (Opt/ 108) 85309A 7.606 MHz Positioner Power Supply Positioner controller Router/Hub PNA trigger out GPS sync 10 MHz in/out PNA trigger in N5264A opt. 108 PNA-X and PSG Page 36 36
Typical 8530A (85301C) Far Field Configuration Using 8511A/B Page 37 This configuration is using HPUX worstation to drive 8530A. Customer provided software in HPBASIC to control 8530A and positionner. 8360 series as RF sources driven by 8530 (system GPIB) Concept here is that signal comming from Antenna (DUT) and ref are downconverted to 20 MHz 2 types of measurements. Swept in frequency and fixed position, CW measurement but antenna is moving 37
Performance Summary ( with N5280A) Description N5264A opt. 108 with MXG 85301C Comments The same Measurement Sensitivity 0.580 msec/pt 12 15 msec/pt - 98 dbm (85301C performance) @ 600 KHz @ 10 KHz 21 times faster Freq..045 to 20GHz, 801 points yes -135 dbm yes -98 dbm The same speed as 85301C @ 70Hz @ 10Kz 37 db better IFBW 1 Hz to 5 MHz 10 KHz Page 38 38